Accumulator for accumulating fractions



6 Sheetsv-Sheet 1 J. O. HANNIBAL, JR

ACCUMULATOR FOR ACCUMULATING FRACTIONS May 3, 1960 Filed March 15, 1955 w 3 Am .M

mw Xn INVENTOR.

JOSEPH O. HANN|BA\ ,JR.

By (WM/ AGENT Csvsm May 3, 1960v J. o. HANNIBAI., .1R 2,935,258

ACCUMULATOR FOR ACCUMLATING FRACTIONS YQ-15a ix Q/ Ex|T 1051 L-R I riz/297 V1 \c 35M AME 9.21/ HUNDREDS INVENTOR.

v JOSEPH O. HANNIBAL ,JR.

FIG-lb BY May 3, 1960 J. o. HNNIBAL, JR

ACCUMULATOR FOR ACCUMULATING FRACTIONS Filed March l5. 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 NO. 2 EMMITTER UNITS IN VEN TOR. JOSEPH O, HANNlBAL.,JR.

AGENT May 3, 1960 J. o. HANNIBAL, JR 2,935,258

ACCUMULATOR FOR ACCUMULATING FRACTIONS Filed March l5. 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. JOSEPH Ox HANNIBALDJR.

FIG- ld.- B

Y MW

AGENT n CRaQ May 3, 1960 .1. o. HANNIBAL, 1R 2,935,258

- ACCUMULATOR FOR ACCUMULATING FRACTIONS Filed March 15. 1955 e shees-sheet 5 O 30 60 90 120 150 180 ZIO 240 270 300 330 360 CARD 9 e 7 e 5 4 3 2 1 o 1 2 CB 1 ,CB 2 CB 3,CB 4 CF 2 CF 3 CF 5 CF22 CF23 CP2@ CF29 CFao CR 3 CR 4 CR 5 ACR 6 CR 7 CR e CR62 CR64 CR7 O CR71 (1R72 CR73 (1R76 (1R86 CRBS (1R88 CR115 CR1 16 CR21O KNOCK OFF LEVER HUUR INVENTOR. JOSEPH O. HANNIBALJJR.

I 4 l By 52 a KNOCKOFF 1 EV1-:R-5 AGENT May 3, 1960 J. o. HANNIBAL, JR

ACCMULATOR FOR ACCUMULATING FRACTIONS Filed March 15, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 JOSEPH O. HANNIBALAR.

BY I,

United AStates Patenti O ACCUMULATOR FOR ACCUMULATING FRACTIONS Joseph 0. Hannibal, Jr., Vestal, N Y., assignor to International Business Machines Corporatiom'New York, N.Y., a corporation of New York Application March 15 1955, Serial No. 494,490 Claims. (Cl. 23S-154) The invention relates to a method and apparatus for accumulating fractions.

In accordance with the principle of the invention, the numerator of the `fraction is treated as a normal digit value for entry into a cyclically operable accumulator during-normal entry time. The denominator is utilized to derived a correction value which is the tens complement value of the denominator, which correction value is then entered into the accumulator following a carry operation1 and which correction entry is terminated in the normal entry time of the next cycle but before entry of the next numerator value. The above oper-ations are repeated for each numerator value entered 4into the accumulator.

In the preferred embodiment a tens `accumulator is employed in which the zero setting thereof is indicated by a nine value in each order position and, in addition to the normal carry means between adjacent ordered positions, there is provided carry means between the highest and lowest ordered positions. Thus, upon the entry of a numerator value, the carry means are set up and become effective immediately after completion of the numerator entry, after which, the carry operation is effected and immediately thereafter the correction value (also referred to hereinafter las la preset value) is entered, which entry operation terminates in the following cycle. I-f the fraction is positive, the above entries are effected in an additive sense. If the fraction is negative, said entries are made-in an additive sense, however, the numerator value in this instance is entered in complement form.

An object of the invention resides in the provision of an accumulator which can readily accommodate fractions.

Another object resides in the liexibility of an arrangement which employs a decimal accumulator to add and subtract fractions.

Still another object resides in the flexibility of the electrical controls employed in'the above arrangement for accumulating fractional values in a decimalcounter.

A more specific object resides in the ilexibility of controls selectively settable `in accordance with one system of notation to set up entry and exit controls of a decimaal accumulator.

Other objects of the invention will be pointed out in the following description and claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which disclose, byv way of examples, the principle of the invention and the best mode, ywhich has been contemplated, of applying that principle.

In the drawings:

Figs. la to ld comprise a diagram v`of the electrical controls 4incorporating theinvention.

Fig. 2 is a timing chart. v Y

Fig. 3 is a view in side elevation of a single ordered position of an accumulator unit suitable for use with the invention.

Figs. 4 and 5 show diagrammatically how accumulatorsy may be selectively controlled to process fractions not having a common denominator. Y

Before describing'the principalfeatures of the invention, a description of a single ordered tens accumulator,

ICE

as shown in Fig. 3, will first be given. This accumulator is of the type shown and described in C. D. Lake et al. Patent 2,328,653, dated September 7, 1943, and has application in a variety of IBM card controlled account-V ing machines, an example of which is the one shownin E. I. Rabenda Patent 2,569,829, dated October 2, 1951, both of which are assigned to the assignee of the present invention. In this latter machine record cards, perforated in accordance with the familiar IBM l2-hole code, are processed to prepare printed reports which bear totals accumulated in accordance with the data recorded in these record cards.

In the aforementioned Lake patent the accumulator is shown and described in detail. Briefly then with referance to Fig. 3 in the instant application the accumulator comprises the pivoted varmature 45 shown disposed between the cores of the advanced magnet AM and the stop magnet SM and said armature has a connection t0 a clutch or latching :lever 21. In the declutching positionof the clutch lever 21, the armature 45 is biased against the core of the SM magnet. Whenever the AM magnet is energized, the armature 45 will take an alternative position, rocking the latching lever 21 to an unlatching position. The latching lever 21 is held in either latched or unlatched position by a latch 35.

The latch lever 2l is shown in latched position and when moved to an unlatched position, it releases a disc 2li for counterclockwise movement, and a spring 31 is now effective to rock a clutch pawl 3i) into engagement with a ratchet wheel i6. Thisratchet wheel is fixed to a constantly; rotating gear 17 and rotates therewith. As a result of the above clutching operation, an accumulator element 24 is initiated in rotation. The termination of the rotation of the accumulator element is effected upon energization of the stop magnet SM, during a subtractive operation or by the familiar Vknockoff lever Si) associated with the accumulator. Said lever carries a pair of spaced apart pins 52 and 53, the latter not shown, which pins cooper-ate with surface 21b` to terminate accumulator entries at `and carry operations at 336, which timings are shown in Fig. 2.

Carry means are provided to manifest a signal when the accumulator reaches 9, and also when it passes from 9 to 0. To this end a follower 24a is adapted to cooperate with accumulator element 24, the periphery of which is configured in such a way that when the accumulator element assumes a position indicative of a 9, a contact blade 239 is adapted to make contact with the nines contact member 241. When the accumulator passes from 9 to 0, blade member 239 transfers to make contact with'the tens contact member 240. These contact members are wired to control carry operations from one `order position to the next higher order positionV in a well-known manner which is described in detail in said patents.

The accumulator is provided with an electrical total readout which may be of the form shown and described in the patentsto C. D. Lake et al. 2,232,006, 'dated February 18, 1941, and 2,138,636, dated November 2.9, 1938, and assigned to the assignee of the present' invention. Since the construction of the electrical total readout is kwellknown in the art, it is `only shown diagrammaticallyin the wiring diagram of Figs.' lb and lc. It may be appreciated from this representation that each ordered position has an associated readout brush 1044 'which makes contact with a common current conducting ments1045 receive digit impulses transmittedbyihlo. l

Total Print'Emitter and according to the digit positions of each readout order, selected impulses are transmitted to the printer control magnets.

The record feeding mechanism of the machine is adapted to feed the records singly and in succession past sensing devices to analyze the perforations in the records. Since this mechanism is well-known, it is not shown in the present application. However, the electrical connections to the sensing brushes are shown in part in Fig la of the wiring diagram in the present application. I'n addition, circuitry is disclosed relating to preliminary circuits used to prepare the machine for run-in operation and the like and to provide the necessary circuit paths for establishing circuits to the various sensing means which terminate in the familiar plug sockets. The latter are connected by plug wires to the various instrumentalities of the machine including the sockets of the accumulator, whereby the record data is entered into the accumulator.

The sensing means as described in the patent are referred to as reading brushes of which there are two sets, namely, rst reading brushes and second reading brushes. As the record cards are fed through the machine they encounter the rst reading brushes and then the second reading brushes.

The first reading brushes are used for a variety of purposes. In the present application, however, they are employed to control the accumulator for additive or subtractive operations depending upon the controlled data on the record cards. The accumulator is also selectively controlled by means forming part of the invention to accommodate a particular fraction or a variety of fractions. The second read brushes are employed in the well-known manner to transmit by means of plug Wire connections the record data into entry means of the accumulator.

PRELIMINARY AND RECORD READING `CIRCUITS Referring to the wiring diagram (Fig. la), the initiation of card feeding in the machine is effected by depression of the Start Key which closes contacts 274 to close a circuit from the line 920, wire 272, Start Key contacts 274, the pickup coil of the start relay R1636 to line 921. R1636 is the Start Key relay and initiates the successive pickup and holding of relays R1638 and R1639 for controlling the operation of picker clutch magnet 64 which when energized causes the engagement of a picker clutch for advancing the cards from the usual supply magazine (not shown). The machine is driven by a motor M which is placed in continuous operation by closing the power supply switch S. When relay R1639 is energized, a circuit is completed from line 920, R1639b relay contacts now closed, CR87 cam contacts, the picker clutch magnet 64 and line 921.

As the cards subsequently pass from the supply magazine, card lever contacts 276 are closed. Also a circuit is completed during the rst machine cycle which extends from line 92), R1639b relay contacts now closed, 1216300 contacts, CRBS cam contacts, a clutch magnet 280 and line 921. Energization of this magnet will cause the engagement of a conventional one-revolution clutch to initiate rotation of la shaft for operating various cam controlled contacts. These contacts are designated with the prefix CF and are in operation when the card feeding mechanism functions. Other cam contacts prefixed CR are constantly in operation.

After the card lever contacts 276 close, CRS cam contacts close to complete an obvious circuit to the R1628P relay coil. R162Sa relay contacts then close to complete a holding circuit back to line 92) through the CFS cam contacts. CFS cam contacts extend the energization of the relay over and through the next or second card feed cycle. When R1628c relay contacts close during the second machine cycle and cam contacts CP2 close during this and succeeding machine cycles, a circuit 1s completed to energize clutch magnet 280` Energzation of the R1628 relay closes R1628d contacts which complete a circuit from line 920, cam contacts CRS, R1628d relay contacts, a gripper clutch magnet 153 and line 921. This clutch magnet causes the operation of a mechanism for closing gripping devices which serve to feed the cards past a pair of successive reading stations and on to a stacker station.

A relay R163() is energized at the end of the first feed cycle through cam contacts 0F22 and the R1630c relay contacts cooperate with the R1628c relay contacts to provide alternate circuits to the clutch magnet 28) to keep the machine running until the stop key is depressed or a card fails to feed to the card lever contacts 276.

The circuits whereby the perforated cards may be analyzed at the rst reading station and the second reading station are shown in Fig. la wherein it will be seen that for columns l, 2 andr 80 the arrangement of the sensing commutator is shown diagrammatically. Of course, this arrangement is duplicated for the columns in each of the reading stations. The sensing circuit for the rst `reading station is from the line side 920, circuit breaker contacts CBL-C84, CF28 cam contacts, first reading relay R1630b contacts which are closed during the analyzing time, thence to a wire 99u. The wire 990 has a respective wire connection 991 to the brush of the first column commutator. The brush readout 165 makes successive contact with the contact points 164 and the circuit will be closed through the particular brush 162 which passes through the card perforation. Each plate 161 which carries the series of analyzing brushes 162 has a Wire connection to a respective plug socket such as socket 923 in the first column. For the rst reading station there is a series of eighty plug sockets including 923, 942, etc., from which plug connections are made for control purposes.

The sensing circuit for the second reading station extends from the CF28 cam contacts, thence through the second reading R1632g relay contacts, which are closed by virtue of cam contacts CE2?)` completing a circuit to the pickup coil of relay R1632 during the second analy.. ing time, and to a wire 992. The wire 992 has one first wire 993 of multiple wire connections to the brush readout 165 representative of a series of sensing cornmutators for the second reading station. There is, likewise, a series of eighty plug sockets including sockets 926, 944 and 97S for the second reading station from which plug connections are made to the desired controls.

To prepare an accumulator for entry operations, it is necessary to connect by plug wire (partially shown) 977a from the card feed cycles plug socket 977 (Fig. la) to the accumulator control plus entry socket 97 (Fig. 1b). The card feed cycles relay points R16 t1a are closed when relay R1641 (Fig. la) is energized during starting and sensing operations through CRS. A. plug wire 977b is also connected from socket 977 (Fig. la) to carry the card cycles impulse to the accumulator control plug socket 979 (Fig. 1b) for energizing relay R149P, the hold circuit is not shown but is fully explained in the above Rabenda patent.

In the case of normal operation of the accumulator wherein any of the digits l-9 are entered, the plus control circuit includes line 920 (Fig. la), wire 1038, cam contacts C1329 and C1130, card cycles relay contact R1641a, plug socket 977 and a plug wire to socket 978 (Fig. lb), relay R371, wire 1029 to line 921. A parallel circuit is completed by plug wire 977b from socket 977 (Fig. la) to plug socket 979 (Fig. lb) and the card cycles impulse is directed to energize the direct entry control relay R149. The latter has holding circuits, not shown, which are described in detail in the afore-mentioned Rabenda patent. These two relays, R149 and R371, serve to prepare the accumulator circuits for additive operations.

Since circuits forming a part of theV invention are incorporated in the units `order position of the instant wiring diagram, which circuits would add unnecessary details to explain normal accumulator operations in' said umts position, it is therefore felt desirable .to explain the following normal circuit functions with reference to the tens lorder 4position of the accumulator. Thus upon the encrgization of relay R371, contacts R371c at the lower right-hand corner of Fig. lb are closed to complete the accumulator circuit to add any impulse read from the card at the second reading station. In series therewith are the direct entry relay contacts R149@ controlled `by the directk entry relay for `the purposer of carrying the card reading impulse directly to` the accumulator start magnet AM.

Relay R371 also controls contacts for preventing the operation ofthe list control relay R223 (Fig. 1b) during digits l-9 reading time and it does this upon shifting of contacts R371a. The circuit for `the list control relay follows a path which includes line 920 (Fig. lb), cam contacts CR71, (open during rcard read time 1-9) transferred relay contacts R1491, open relay contacts R371a, normally closed side of readout relay contacts R445a, list control relay R223, wire 1029 to line 921.

At the bottom of Fig. lb, it is seen that a circuit is now available to energize the adding magnet AM, directly from the card at the second reading station as follows: From the line 920 (Fig. la), through the CB contacts, card control `relay contacts R163t2g, wire 992 .to a particular sensing device at the second station yincluding brush structure 165, commutator contacts 164and sensing brush 16210 a common conductor 161 in series with plug socket 9.75 and a plug wire 975.4, partially shown, to socket 976 (Fig. lb), then through the normally closed readout relay contacts R445e, the normally closed list control relay contacts R223c, the normally open direct relay contacts R149@ the ynormally open plus relay contacts R3'71c, the adding magnet AM and line 921.

The circuit breaker contacts CB (Fig. la) direct impulses through any perforations sensed in the card and these, in turn, start the accumulator wheels rotating until they are stopped under control of the accumulator knockoff lever 50 which is .operative to terminate additive operations at 155 of the machine cycle. The accumulator is thereby adapted to register the numeral value equal tothe value of the digit perforations in the card.

All accumulator orders in the normal condition are actually standing at .the position 9. Therefore, when the start magnet AM receives an impulse, the Vclutch arm 30 engages the ratchet wheel 16 and as the accumulator advances7 the contact 239 will latch up the related tens carry contact 240, in the well-known manner, as it passes from the 9 position to the() position. Assuming that a is to be added, the accumulator rotation will latch the tens contact 2.40 and. turn through 0, 1, 2, 3 and stop at 4. At the proper time, a carry impulse will `then be sent through the tens contact, advancing the accumulator one more unit of rotation, thus changing the accumulated 4 to the properA 5 and all other accumulator positions are advanced from 9 to 0.

The carry control relay R368 (Fig. lb) is energized by the closure of cam contacts'CRl at 295 to 315 in time to complete the usual circuits from the nine and tens accumulator contacts 241 and 240 to direct impulses into the accumulator adding magnets AM. The contacts R638d, R638c and R633a of the carry control relay are seen to be in a series connection respectivelyrwith the adding magnet of the units, tens and hundreds order positions shown in the wiring diagram. The carry impulse is conducted by plug wire from the nines contact of the highest order of the accumulator and transmitted to the adding magnet of the lowest order of the related accumulator group. This connection is established by plug wire 980 between plug socket 980 and plug socket y981 of the lowest order. A more detailed account of the vconventional carry circuits may be had from y.the previously-mentioned Rabenda Patent 2,569,829.

Readout operations of the accumulator are effected when readout relay R445 (Fig. lb) is' energized under control of a program signal, as described on page 72 of the specication in said Rabenda patent. Assuming that a program signal is directed to cause energization of this relay R445 then upon the transfer of contacts associated therewith a readout will be effected. A sample readout circuit may be traced through a path beginning with the accumulator Exit hub (tens order position), relay R149e normally closedcontacts, relay R223c normally closed contacts, relay R445e now transferred, segment 1045', brush 1044, wirey 9 (assuming a positive 9 to be in the accumulator), relay R751' normally closed contact points, emitter spo't 9, wiper 1039 to line 920. Should this y9 value be negative, the accumulator value will then be read out as a nines complement, i.e., a zero would be read out. Under this condition, relay R75 would be energized to transfer its associated contacts. The readout circuit would be the same traced except that it now proceeds along the 9 wire through the transfer wire of relay R751l co'ntacts, zero spot of the emitter, wiper 1039 to the line 920. Energization of the relay R75 is effected when a 9 value is detected in the highest order position of the accumulator during a readout operation. The circuit in this instance proceeds from line 921, line 1029, through relay R75P, plug socket NBC, plugwire NB', plug socket NB, relay-R638a normally closed contacts, nines co'ntact 241, contact 239, relay Rla normally closed contacts, cam contacts CR62 to line 920.

The description, thus far, has described in a limited sense the well-known operation of the accumulator machine for the entry of the basic digits 1-9 for carry operations and for readout operation.

CIRCUITS ASSOCIATED WITH FRACTIONAL OPERATIONS Although the following principle of fraction counting may be applied with equal ease to any fraction, regardless of its magnitude, the fraction in the magnitude of sixths hasbeen selected in the illustrated embodiment.

'The circuits associated with fractional operations are shown in Figs. 1c and ld.r` In the upper left-hand corner of Fig. lc there are shown relays RE, RF, RG and RH, each connected to an associated plug socket above which are the numbers l, 2, 4, 8. Directly thereabove are a row of four plug sockets FC connected to a wire which extends to line 920. Plug wire connections from the FC sockets to the sockets 1, y2, 4, 8 are made to set up the accumulator for a specific fraction. The sockets 1, 2, 4, 8 .are representative of the binary system. They are plugged in accordance with the denominator of the fraction which is to be processed. As seen in the drawing, the plug connections to` plug sockets 2 and 4 adjust the accumulator to 'process sixths. Should it be desired to process fifths, then the sockets 1 and 4 would be plugged.

immediately above these sockets there are seen relays RA, RB, RC and RD, connected to the contacts REa, RFa, RGa and RHa, respectively. These contacts are connected to relay R75a (Fig. 1b), normally closed contact points.`

The contacts associated with the relays RE, RF, RG and RH (Fig. lc) are shown distributed in a labyrinth circuit connected to a No. 1 Total Print Emitter (Fig. 1b) and a No. 2 emitter (Fig. 1c). The outputV of the labyrinth circuit is connected to control add magnet AM and subtract magnet SM. These two magnets 'control the units'order position of the accumulator.

The contacts associated with the relays RA, RB, RC

and RD are shown distributed throughout Fig. ld. They are adapted to control the readout from the units order position segment 1045", which is connected by means of wire 1045a. to contacts of'relay R445c (Fig. lc). The latter when transferred enables readout from the units order` by virtue-of the circuit continuing through the R445c transfer contacts, through R223d normally closed contacts, relay R149c normally closed contacts to the accumulator Exit hub. This Exit hub is normally wired to a printing position for printing `the value read out. Returning to the segment 1045 it may be further observed that the tens spots O to 9 are connected to ten lines -9. The latter are connected to the contacts associated with the relays RA, RB, RC and RD. These contact points may be seen as connected by means of a cable wired to the No. 1 Total Print Emitter (Fig. lb). When the units order is used for normal tens operation, the contacts in question will be de-energized as shown. Under this condition the units order functions as a standard tens accumulator.

The setting up of the relays for a desired fraction accomplishes two functions, namely, (l) presetting the accumulator with a value corresponding to the fraction being processed and (2) setting up the appropriate contacts in the readout circuits to enable readout of the proper value. The functions may he amplified somewhat with the aid of the chart shown immediately below:

ninths 0 eighths sevenths sixths fourths thirds halves In this chart the top horizontal row of digits 0-9 represents values in the tens system. The vertical column on the extreme left identities the fractions ninths to halves. The values opposite each fraction correspond to the numerators thereof and bear a relationship to the digit values of the tens systems `directly above the top row from which the presetting value is determined. As an example', the presetting value for sixths is arrived at by locating the 0 value immediately to the right of the sixths and from this point selecting the digit value found directly thereabove in the topmost row of digits. This value is found to be 4. In like manner 5 is the presetting Value for the fraction fifths. In a similar manner 2 is the presetting value for eighths, and so forth.

The readout of the numerator of a particular fraction must be accordingly corrected since the value standing in y the readout contacts under control of the relays RA, RB,

RC and RD determine the correct readout value of the numerator value in the accumulator.

Assuming the accumulator is set up for adding operations in the normal manner, the add relay R371 (Fig. lb) will therefore be energized. Assuming further that the value 5 (the numerator portion of the fraction s/s) is to be added into the accumulator then the adding wheel of the accumulator will advance live cycle points in the normal manner. Since the accumulator normally is setting with a value 9, the addition of a 5 causes the accumulator to advance from 9 to 4. During this advance, the ens contact 240 is closed to effect a subsequent carry into the tens order position in the normal manner. In accordance with the invention, the tens contact is also employed to initiate entry of a preset value into the accumulator.

Normal carry operations occur toward the close of the machine cycle (308 to 315). During this time carry occurs in the units order in the conventional manner to advance the accumulator Wheel one cycle point. Simultaneously, a presetting relay RJ (Fig. 1c) latch pickup coil, is energized as follows: Referring to the lower righthand corner of Fig.l 1c, the circuit follows a path from line 921, through relay RJ, any one of the contacts RFb, RGb and RHI), all in parallel, relay contacts R638b, closed during carry operations, center blade 239 transferred as a result of a carry operation, tens contact 240', Wire 1051, cam contact CR76 (Fig. lb) to line 920. A cycle point later when cam contacts CR210 make, 337 to 345, a circuit is etfective to energize the add magnet AM (Fig. 1c) to initiate presetting of the units order. This circuit follows a path beginning with the add magnet AM (Fig. 1c) in the units order, then through relay R638d -normally closed contact points, relay RIb normally open contact points, conductor 209, cam contacts CR210, wire 1043', CB1, 2, 3 and 4 (Fig. la) to line 920. The accumulator thereupon advances until a stop impulse is directed to the subtract or stop magnet SM. The resulting advance has added 4 into the accumulator, i.e., the presetting value as shown in the chart has now been entered. The stop impulse is traced through a path beginning with line 921, subtract magnet SM (Fig. lc), relay RJa normally open contact points, relay RHc normally closed contact points, relay RGc normally open contact points, relay RFcl normally open contact points, relay REd normally closed contact points, 7 wire (Fig. 1b), relay R751 normally closed contact points, 7 spot on the emitter, wiper 1039 to line 920.

A cycle point later the contact points of the RJ relay must be restored. To this end there is provided a circuit for energizing a latch trip coil for the relay RI. The circuit is shown in the upper portion of Fig. lc and is traceable along a path extending through the latch trip coil of said relay RJ-LT and then by way of relay RHe normally closed contact points, relay RGg normally open contact points, relay RFj normally open contact points, relay REm normally closed contact points, 6 wire, and by way of cable to relay R75c normally closed contact points (Fig. 1b), 6 spot on the No. 1 emitter, Wiper 1039 to line 920. It may be appreciated that the latch trip relay coil is controlled by various contact points associated with the relays RE., RF, RG and RH. The time of energizing the latch trip coil of relay RI is dependent upon the combination of contact points involved, these in turn depend upon the condition of the parent relays RE, RF, RG and RH, which are energized in `accordance with the manner the sockets are plugged (Fig. 1c).

Subtractive operations involve entry of the numerator subtractively after which the accumulator is preset in the manner described. Subtractive entry of the numerator is effected by energizing the add magnet AM (Fig. lc) with an impulse, the time value of which is one less than the denominator of the fraction. For example, the time value (i.e., machine cycle time) of sixths is therefore 5, of ninths it is 8, of thirds it is 2, and so forth. The subtract magnet SM is subsequently energized when the numerator value is sensed, the latter value is recognized in a normal manner. Towards the closing portion of the machine cycle, the presetting operation is effected in the manner described to preset the units order of the accumulator with the appropriate value, in this instance the preset value is 4.

Assuming 9%; is to be subtracted in the units order of the accumulator, which position is setting at 9, the numerator 3 is perforated in the card as a digit value 3, and the electrical controls are adjusted to process sixths by plugging the relays RF and RG in the manner described, the units order add magnet AM (Fig. 1c) is energized at 5 time in the cycle. The remaining order position add magnets AN', namely, those of the tens and one hundreds positions, Will be energized in the usual manner at 9 time, assuming of course that these order positions are adapted to process digit values in the tens system. Upon energization of the add magnet AM at 5 time, the accumulator wheel advances until a pulse, initiated hy the 3 agences perforation in the card, is directed intothe stop or subtract magnet SM after the accumulator wheel has ad'- effected in the manner described to cause the preset value 4 to be added. This advances the accumulator units order to 6. Since this value is negative, it will be complemented in the normal manner so as to read out a 3 (actually and be identiied in a customary manner with an appropriate designation.

The circuit for energizing the add magnet AM at 5 time follows a path beginning with line 921 and extending through the addmagnet AM (Fig. 1c) relay R638d normally closed contact points, relay RJ b normally closed contact points; relay .R297d contact points now closed, RHd normally closed contact points, RGe normally open contact points, RFg normally open contact points, RE

Vhub and by means of a plug wire connection not shown to the appropriate sensing brush socket in Fig. la, and then as previously described, the circuit terminates at line 920.

Resetting the accumulator to 9 is effected in the man,- ner described in the above Rabenda patent.

The foregoing explains operations of fractions, the

magnitude of which range from halves to ninths. Fractions with denominators above l0, except prime numbers may be processed by combining several fractional accurnu-r lators, the denominators of which represent factored values from 2-9, of the original denominator. For example, if it is desired to process twelfths, the latter must be resolved into factors, each of which has a value below 10. In this instance the factors may either be 2 and 6 or 3 and 4. In either case the product is 12. A choice may be exercised'by combining the thirds and fourths torepresent twelfths or halves and sixths to represent twelfths. If the fformer is selected, the tens and units order positions of the combined accumulator are adjusted in terms ofvthirds and fourths, respectively. On the other hand, if halves and sixths are selected, the tens and units orders, respectively, are accordingly adjusted.

In the above it is further necessary that the numerators must be converted to values in the manner to lfollow. In the arrangement concerning the accumulator comprising fourths andv thirds the numerators must be decoded with the values shown in Chart 1.

Chart I Units fourths Twelfths numerator Tens thirds As seen in this chart, the numerators 1 through 1l are shown in the extreme right-hand column. The coded values corresponding to each. numerator are shown in the columns to the left thereof. As an example, the coded value of the numerator 7 is 13, of the numerator l() it is 22, and so forth.

`On the other hand, if it is desired to employ an accumulator in which the tens and units order positions, respectively, are adjusted to process halves and sixths, then the numerators 1 to 11 ofV the fraction 12 must be coded in accordance with Chart `2.

Chart 2 Units sixths Twelfths numerator Tens halves In this chart it may be seen that the numerators 6 for example are coded -as 10 and in like manner the numer-Lv -ators 11 are coded as 15.

The coded values for the numerators may be directly recorded in the records, or, as an Ialternative method, the original numerator value may be recorded in the manner earlier described. If the latter method is chosen, the machine may employ a converter of -any type capable of supplying the required output digit values corresponding. to appropriate input values.

In order to provide ilexibility of control so as to enablethe various accumulator groups to be employed selec` tively, it is only necessary to arrange the specified accumu-l lator groups with the circuits of the invention. Forl example, it may be desirable to process a particular frac-l tion in` one accumulator group and another fraction in1` another accumulator group in the same run under control. of a single deck of records which may be in random!v order. A somewhat diagrammatic -arrangement of thel above is shown in Fig. 4. It is to be understood that inV this arrangement the denominators of the fractions have perforations in a specified `column of the record cards, while the numerator value `appears in other specied columns of the record.l

As seen in Fig. 4, recordl A contains the fraction 1%; Whereas record B contains the fraction AccumulatorsA Acc. l and Acc. 2 are each adapted with circuits of the* invention, which circuits terminate in the sockets FC, 1,. 2, 4, 8 shown immediately below the accumulatom. Nu merator values of fifths are entered by way of plug wire 94er into Acc. 1 while plug wire 944i provides an entry' path for directing numerator values of sixths into Acc. 2.. The complement or preset value for the Acc. 1 is set up= under control of PSZa and PSZb contact points, plugi wires PWS, PW6, `PW7 and PWS to cause connections: to' be established between the sockets FC and sockets- 1 Aand 4. When the latter sockets are energized, in the manner earlier described, a preset value of 5 will be entered into Acc. 1. The contact points PS2@ and PSZlr are under control of a pilot yselector relay PS2, which selector is well known in the art. The pilot selector PS2' is controlled by means of a 5 impulse selected by meansof a digit selector DSZ in turn connected by means of ay v plug wire PW11 to the second read socket 942. Thus:

any time the denominator value 5 is sensed by the sec ond read, Acc. kl is rendered operative to accumulate numerator values of the fraction fifths. v

In somewhat of asimilar manner but under *control 1 1 of the denominator 6, Acc. 2 is controlled to accumulate `numerator values associated with said denominator. In

vthis instance plug wire PWN establishes a connection between second read socket 942 and the input to digit selector DS1 from which the value 6 is extracted and directed by means of a plug wire to pilot selector PS1. Contact points of the latter, namely, PSla and PSlb, in combination with plug wires PWl, PWZ, PW3, and PW4 establish circuit connections between the FC socket and the 2 and 4 sockets. When the latter are energized, Acc. 2 will admit numerator values in terms of siXths.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made Aby those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

l. An arrangement for processing fractions having numerator and denominator values less than ten, comprising a single order or" an accumulator operable in a tens system of notation; accumulator entry means for receiving and entering the numerator values, one at a time, into said order; a settable correction value emitter for selectively supplying correction values one through nine into said order; set up means for setting said settable correcting value emitter laccording to the denominator value to be processed to supply an appropriate correction value; and carry control means associated with said single order and operable in response to each initial numerator entry and to subsequent entries that cause said order to pass from nine to zero to render effective said settable correction value emitter to supply the correction value.

2. An arrangement for accumulating fractions comprising a cyclically operable multi-ordered accumulator of the type wherein a digit value entry into each accumulator element is initiated under control of a start magnet and terminated under control of a stop magnet or mechanical stop means effective at a point in a cycle, each accumulator element further including carry means effective when the associated accumulator element passes from nine to zero during a carry operation; means for supplying entry signals representing the respective numerator values to be accumulated; entry means connected to the start magnet in the lowest order and operable to energize said start magnet in response to an entered entry signal representing the numerator value to be accumulated, the associated mechanical stop means terminating the accumulation of the numerator entry; an emitter capable of supplying differentially timed impulses; an adjustable circuit, normally inoperative, connecting said emitter to the lowest ordered stop magnet; means for adjusting said adjustable circuit according to the denominator value to supply an appropriate timed impulse; a correction initiating circuit, normally inoperative, connected to the lowest ordered start magnet; and control means controlled yby the carry means of the lowest order and rendered effective after the completion of the iirst numerator entry and on subsequent numerator entries that develop respective carry operations to render said correction initiating circuit operative to initiate a correction entry, said control means including means to render said adjustable circuit operative to cause said appropriate timed impulse to energize the stop magnet in the lowest order to terminate the correction entry.

3. An arrangement for accumulating fractions, comprising a cyclically operable multi-ordered accumulator of the type wherein a digit value entry into each accumulator element is initiated under control of a start magnet and terminated under control of a stop magnet or mechanical stop means operable at iixed points in each cycle, the accumulator element further including carry means eifective when the associated accumulator element passes from nine to zero during a carry operation, each accumulator cycle having la normal entry time within which each start magnet may be energized at differential times corresponding to digit values one through nine, a carry time, and a correction time; means `for supplying entry signals representing the respective numerator values to be accumulated; entry means connected to the start magnet in the lowest order and operable to energize said start magnet during the normal entry time in response to an entered entry signal representing the numerator value to be accumulated, the associated mechanical stop means being effective at one of said fixed points in the cycle to terminate said numerator entry; an emitter capable of supplying differentially timed impulses; an adjustable circuit, normally inoperative, connecting said emitter to the lowest order stop magnet; means for adjusting said adjustable circuit according to the denominator value to supply an appropriate timed impulse; a 'correction initiating circuit, normally inoperative, connected to the lowest order start magnet; and control means controlled by the carry means of the lowest order and rendered effective at said correction time to render said correction initiating circuit operative after the first numerator entry and on subsequent numerator entries that develop respective carry operations to initiate a correction entry, said control means including means to render said adjustable circuit operative to cause said appropriate timed impulse to terminate the correction entry.

4. An 'accumulator for accumulating fractions, said accumulator having a plurality of ordered positions, eachordered position comprising -a cyclically operable accumulator element of the type wherein a digit value entry is initiated under control of a start magnet and terminated under control of a stop magnet or mechanical stop means operable at fixed points in a cycle, each cycle having a normal entry time Within which the start magnets may be energized at differential times corresponding to digit values one through nine, `a carry time, and a correction time, carry means associated with each ordered position and each operative when the associated accumulator element passes from nine to zero, means under control of a low ordered carry means for entering -a unit carry into the next 'adjacent higher ordered position, and means under control of the highest ordered position Afor entering a unit carry into the lowest ordered position, each ordered accumulator element having a starting position at nine; means for supplying entry signals representing the respective numerator values to be accumulated; entry means to the start magnet in one of said ordered positions and operable in response to a numerator entry signal to energize said start magnet within said normal entry time, to initiate entry of a numerator value of a fraction, said mechanical stop means being etective rat one of said Xed points in the cycle to terminate said numerator entry; said carry means in each ordered position being effective after termination of the first numerator entry to energize at carry time the start magnets in all ordered positions to initiate a carry entry into each ordered position, said mechanical stop means being effective at another appropriate iixed point in the cycle to terminate said carry entry in each ordered position; an emitter capable of supplying differentially timed impulses; an adjustable circuit, normally inoperative, connecting said emitter tothe stop magnet in said one of said ordered positions; means for `adjusting said adjustable circuit according to thedenominator value to supply an appropriate timed impulse; a correction initiating circuit, normally inoperative, connected to the start magnet of said one ordered position; control means under control of said carry means and effective at said correction time to render said correction initiating circuit operative to initiate a correction entry into said one ordered position; and means effective in response to the operation of said control means to render said adjustable circuit operative to cause 13 said appropriate timed impulse to terminate the correction entry.

5. An accumulator yfor accumulating rfractions, said accumulator having a plurality of ordered positions, each ordered position comprising a cyclically operable accumulator element of the type wherein a digit value entry is initiated under control of a start magnet and terminated under control of a stop magnet or mechanical stop means operable at -Xed points in a cycle, each cycle having a normal entr time within which the start magnets may be energized at differential times corresponding to digit values one through nine, a carry time, yand a correction time, carry means associated with eaclrordered position and each operative when tbe associated accumulator element passes from nine to zero, means under control of a low ordered carry means for entering a unit carry into the next adjacent Ihigher ordered position, and means under control of the highest ordered position for entering a funit carry into the lowest ordered position, each ordered accumulator element having a starting position at nine; means for supplying entry signals representing the respective numerator values to be accumulated; entry means connected to the start magnet in the lowest ordered position and operable in response to a numerator entry signal to energize said start magnet, within said normal entry time, to initiate entry of a numerator value of a fraction, said mechanical stop means being effective at one of said rixed points in the cycle to terminate said numerator entry; said carry means in each ordered position being effective after termination of the lirst numerator entry to energize iat carry time the start magnets in all ordered positions to initiate a carry entry into each o1'- dered position, said mechanical stop means being effective at another appropriate fixed point in the cycle to terminate said ycarry entry in eachordered position; an emitter capable of supplying differentially timed impulses; an adjustable circuit, normally inoperative, connect-ing said emitter to the stop magnet in said lowest ordered position; means `for adjusting said adjustable circuit according to the denominator value to supply an appropriate timed impulse; a correction initiating circuit, normally inoperative, connected to the start magnet of said lowest ordered position; control means under control of said carry means kand effective at said correction time to render said correction initiating circuit operative to initiate a correction entry into said lowest ordered position; and means to render said adjustable circuit operative to cause said appropriate timed impulse to terminate the correction entry in the normal entry time of the following cycle but prior to the entry of the next succeeding numerator value.

No references cited. 

